18 Night Cruise sailing from Rotterdam roundtrip aboard Rotterdam.

As the sixth ship to bear the name, the ms Rotterdam is the standard-bearer for our fleet of five-star cruise ships. The first Rotterdam set sail in 1872, beginning a Holland America Line tradition of elegant cruising and impeccable service that continues through Rotterdam VI.

Commemorating the history of the Rotterdam ships, fascinating Holland America memorabilia, art and antiques can be found throughout the ship. The collection includes remarkable clocks and time pieces, contemporary art by recognized artists, and antiques that represent the rich seafaring heritage of Holland America Line. A highlight is a beautiful 18th-century ship model carved from bone. The ms Rotterdam ensures you the ultimate onboard experience with her graceful combination of classic cruise ship features and state-of-the-art amenities.

The ms Rotterdam is the standard-bearer for our fleet of ships, never more so than now, with the latest Signature of Excellence enhancements completed in December 2009.

We are pleased to introduce our latest innovation, Lanai staterooms, to ms Rotterdam. Your onboard experience will be defined by spacious, artfully appointed public areas and the latest Signature of Excellence venues, features and amenities. Guests aboard will enjoy elegant dining rooms, a $2 million art and antique collection, wide teak decks and spacious staterooms - many with private verandahs. Our stateroom enhancements include expanded stateroom choices and a complete update to all stateroom furnishings.

Ms Rotterdam ensures you the ultimate onboard experience with her graceful combination of classic cruise ship features and state-of-the-art amenities.

Highlights of this cruise:

Rotterdam
Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way.

Only three pre World War II buildings in the city center have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Lisbon
Make your own discoveries in the city that launched Magellan, da Gama and Columbus. Explore the casbah-like Alfama, the medieval Castle of St. George, the fanciful castles of nearby Sintra.

Funchal
Lush and lovely, Madeira is famous for its wine.

Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Quiet and inviting, this capital city boasts colorful markets, lush gardens and open-air cafes. Lush green banana plantations give way to pine forests, then a jumbled landscape of volcanic rock. Further afield: black sand beaches and the cable car to the top of 11,000-foot-high Mount Tiede. When Columbus stopped by in 1498, Tiede was erupting, but it's now sedately dormant.

Arrecife
UNESCO has declared Lanzarote a World Biosphere Reserve. Here, fields of melons and grapes contrast with the bleak volcanic expanses of the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya.

Casablanca
From the city of Bogart and Bergman, tour to Rabat, Morocco's serene capital, and to Marrakech, city of souks, storytellers, snake charmers and the famed Koutoubia Minaret.

Cadiz
Visit the town's historical center, then head for Jerez de Frontera, the sherry capital of the world, or to Seville, famed for flamenco and the exquisite Alcazar Palace.